If you’re looking to add a crispy, plant-based twist to your soups, then tofu croutons made in an air fryer are the perfect option. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, tofu croutons are easy to prepare, versatile, and a great way to enhance both the texture and flavor of your dish. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making tofu croutons for soup in an air fryer. We’ll also cover the benefits, common mistakes, and tips to make the process easier.
What Are Tofu Croutons?
Tofu croutons are bite-sized cubes of extra-firm tofu that are seasoned and cooked until crispy. They mimic traditional croutons but come with the added benefits of being gluten-free (depending on seasoning) and packed with plant-based protein. Air frying them ensures you get the same crispy texture without the excess oil commonly used in deep frying.
Benefits of Tofu Croutons
- High in protein: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making these croutons perfect for those looking to boost their protein intake.
- Low-fat: Air frying uses minimal oil, making tofu croutons a healthy alternative to regular bread croutons.
- Versatile: You can season tofu croutons in various ways to match your soup’s flavor profile, from smoky paprika to garlic herb.
- Crispy texture: The air fryer gives them a satisfying crunch without soaking them in oil.
Why Make Tofu Croutons in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is ideal for making tofu croutons as it uses hot air to crisp the tofu with minimal oil. This results in a lower-calorie, healthier option that retains the crunchy texture we all love in croutons.
Air frying preserves the tofu’s texture and flavor while ensuring an even crisp without the hassle of deep frying. It’s perfect for quick meal preparation, and cleaning up is a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu (14 to 16 oz)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or spray oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy taste)
- Soy sauce or tamari (optional for added umami)
Make sure to use extra-firm tofu, as it holds its shape better during the cooking process.
How to Press Tofu for Croutons?
Pressing your tofu is an essential step to ensure that your croutons become crispy and not soggy. To press tofu:
- Drain the tofu block and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Place the wrapped tofu on a plate, and put a heavy object on top (like a cast-iron pan or a stack of books).
- Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to press out the excess moisture.
This step removes excess water and helps the tofu absorb the seasoning better while ensuring a crispy finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Tofu Croutons in an Air Fryer
Now that your tofu is pressed and ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating crispy tofu croutons in an air fryer.
Step 1. Cube the Tofu
After pressing the tofu, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch each. These should be small enough to crisp up quickly but not too tiny that they lose their shape.
Step 2. Season the Tofu
In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a splash of soy sauce for umami. Coat the cubes evenly.
Step 3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the tofu starts crisping immediately when you put it in.
Step 4. Air Fry the Tofu
Arrange the seasoned tofu cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking. Air fry the tofu at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Step 5. Check for Crispiness
After 15-20 minutes, check the tofu. It should be golden brown & crispy on the outside. If it’s not crispy enough, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6. Cool and Serve
Once crispy, remove the tofu croutons from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. This allows them to firm up further. Serve them immediately on top of your favorite soup.
Best Soups to Pair with Tofu Croutons
Tofu croutons add texture and flavor to a wide variety of soups. Here are a few soup types that pair especially well with air-fried tofu croutons:
- Tomato Soup: The crispiness of the tofu croutons contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of tomato soup.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Tofu croutons add a savory crunch to the sweetness of squash.
- Miso Soup: Elevate traditional miso soup with the added crunch of tofu croutons, which complement the tofu in the broth.
- Vegetable Soup: Tofu croutons work well in broth-based vegetable soups, adding extra protein and texture.
- Creamy Broccoli Soup: A hearty, cheesy soup like this benefits from the crunch and added protein of tofu croutons.
Tips for Perfect Tofu Croutons Every Time
Use Extra-Firm Tofu
Extra-firm tofu holds its shape better and crisps up more effectively in the air fryer.
Don’t Skip Pressing the Tofu
This step is crucial to remove excess water, which could result in soggy croutons instead of the crispy finish you’re aiming for.
Experiment with Seasoning
Tofu is like a blank canvas. Try different seasoning blends like cumin and chili powder for a spicy kick, or rosemary and thyme for a more herbal flavor.
Store Leftovers Properly
If you have leftover tofu croutons, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, simply return them to the air fryer for a few minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the Air Fryer
When the air fryer basket is too full, the tofu won’t crisp evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
Skipping the Oil
Even though the air fryer uses less oil, a little oil is necessary for the tofu to crisp up properly. Don’t skip this step!
Forgetting to Shake the Basket
Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures that every piece of tofu gets crispy on all sides.
Health Benefits of Tofu Croutons
Tofu croutons are not just delicious they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. Tofu is rich in protein, calcium, and iron, making it a great addition to any meal. By air frying instead of deep frying, you significantly cut down on calories and fat while still achieving a satisfying crunch.
Air frying tofu is a heart-healthy option as it requires minimal oil, unlike traditional frying methods that soak the tofu in oil. This makes it a great choice for those looking to cut back on fat but still enjoy a flavorful, crunchy topping for their soups.
Conclusion
Tofu croutons prepared in an air fryer offer an easy, healthy, and delicious way to add crunch and nutrition to any soup. They are versatile, protein-rich, and can be tailored to suit any flavor profile. By following the simple steps outlined above, you’ll have perfectly crispy croutons in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional croutons or just want to add a little extra crunch to your soup, air-fried tofu croutons are the way to go!
